The Woman's Department Club, which was founded in 1919, is still going strong and even looks for new, younger members.

Written by

One theory of many locals is that involvement in the Woman's Department Club will lead to them playing bridge every Friday with a bunch of stuffy old ladies.

Members want to dispel that notion. Though participation in the long-standing social society is now skewed toward the gray-haired end of the spectrum, some newcomers are younger and the club is actively trying to recruit new blood and remain relevant to all modern women.

"I have been in many organizations in my life, and there isn't a stuck up or snobby one in this group," said 86-year-old Maredia Bowdon, a bundle of energy who has been a ...